I love my Tikka and recommend it to anyone who will listen. At least around here (MN), 243 is much more widely available. I also might recommend stepping up to a 6.5, as the factory availability really opens up without a significant increase in recoil.
Maybe not above, but the following have been at minimum well worth the money.
5.11 Apex pants. Very comfortable. Love the variety of pockets.
Firstlite Kiln 1/4 zip. It gets worn on more hunts and outdoor activities than any other piece of clothing I own.
Darn tough socks. Need I say more?
Trained for upland. I live in such prime pheasant country that once it starts, it really is the focus. I duck hunt a few times a year and am careful about which shots to take. Field goose well...I can go pick up my own bird.
Not knowing budget or anything, I would say something like a Lund Alaskan would fit the bill nicely. A little more than a bare bones boat with the ability for a bigger motor which is always nice if the weather turns.
I'd start with the following:
1. What is your budget? Keep in mind the cost of convenience add-ons. (electronics, trolling motor, etc)
2. What kind of vehicle are you towing with?
3. What is your storage situation like?
4. What size lake are you primarily fishing?
5. Will it be used for anything...
Gerber strongarm for camp tasks. I have beat the snot out of it and it handles it great. I always have a benchmade bugout in my pocket for smaller tasks. It is so light I can't tell it's there.
I keep my game cleaning knives separate.
+2, at least for upland. After years of going on "nature walks with a gun" I was finally able to get a dog of my own. Excited to watch him work. We are able to get into ducks and geese by scouting, just have to make the retrieves ourselves.
I've recently switched to bismuth and been really happy with the results. I don't shoot tons so the price is doable. Listed velocity is 1350.
#7- dove, grouse (12 and 16)
#5- ducks and pheasant (12 and 16)
#2- geese (12)
For turkey, the price is nuts but the TSS stuff is worth it IMO...
Resident MN, newbie to waterfowl...keep driving. If you’re coming all this way, it would be worth the extra few hours to get into some good bird numbers. If you do end up in SW MN, let me know.